The Denver Nuggets are in the thick of the Western Conference's playoff race, but a small blow to their chances at making the postseason would be delivered by the New Orleans Hornets if they can hang onto their 75-67 lead after three quarters.
The Nuggets' defense fell apart in the third, giving up 30 points to the Hornets and allowing their shooting percentage to skyrocket to 57% on the game. Trevor Ariza (14 points), Chris Kaman (12 points) and Eric Gordon (11 points) are all in double digits for New Orleans, whereas the Nuggets have Ty Lawson with 20 points and no one else above eight points.
Denver is also 4-15 from the three point line, good for 26%, and their long range shooting might tell the difference in the fourth quarter.
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